The Golden Family, rising from the Western Regions

Chapter 410 Power Reshuffling in the Fengtian Hall, Changes in the Court
"I have decided to upgrade the Salt and Iron Bureau to the Ministry of Mining, and appoint its chief official as a second-rank minister."

Inside the main hall, Li Xiao's face was dignified and unfathomable. His gaze swept over the officials with piercing intensity, and he spoke in an unquestionable voice.

"I have already chosen the candidate for Minister of Mining."

"Lin Dazhuang, the deputy commander of the Eighth Garrison, has been transferred from military service to civilian work and has taken up this post."

"The position of deputy commander of the Eighth Division was transferred to Mo Jun, the commander of the Fourth Division."

As soon as the words were spoken, the officials in the hall were instantly surprised. They remained silent, but the expressions on their faces said it all.

"what?"

"That cripple Lin Dazhuang actually became the Minister of Mining?"

"No wonder Lin Dazhuang, who should have been stationed in the northern frontier, appeared in Longcheng. It turns out he's going to become the Minister of Mining. That cripple really hit the jackpot."

"Where is Fatty Luo? He's always been in charge of the Salt and Iron Bureau. Now that the fruits of his labor have been stolen, how could he be willing to accept it?"

The ministers pondered to themselves, their eyes darting around the hall.

Although Lin Dazhuang was also a key member of the Jinzhou nobility, he was not in the same faction as Luo Ping.

Luo Ping was the head of the Salt and Iron Clique, while Lin Dazhuang was a loyal follower of Jinzhou, serving under His Majesty.

Now, His Majesty has appointed one of his own trusted subordinates to serve as Minister of Mining, which is clearly intended to completely dismantle the foundation of the "Salt and Iron Clique".

Everyone subconsciously looked at Luo Ping and saw his thick cheeks twitching slightly, but he still stood with his head down.

The ministers understood that although Luo Ping's salt and iron faction appeared powerful, it had no right to defy His Majesty's decision.

Just as Li Xiao finished speaking, a slightly unsteady figure stepped out from the left-hand guards' ranks.

Lin Dazhuang was wearing brand-new blue and red cloth armor. His left leg was obviously injured, and every step he took was accompanied by a slight dragging sensation.

He walked into the hall, straightened his back, placed his right hand on his chest and kowtowed heavily, his hoarse voice carrying the unique weight of a soldier: "Your subject Lin Dazhuang thanks Your Majesty for your great favor."

Li Xiao looked at the white hair at his temples and softened his tone.

Lin Dazhuang, a veteran who had followed him since the uprising at Hexibao, had an old foot injury he sustained years ago at Houzhai, which was so deep that the bone was visible.

Although it doesn't prevent me from riding a horse freely, it causes excruciating pain whenever it's raining or I stand for a long time.

Now, time waits for no man, and all the injuries he had accumulated in his early years flared up at once, and he finally collapsed in the army.

His original intention was to fight his illness and finish the last battle of the Eastern Expedition against the Jin Dynasty, and then retire in glory.

Upon learning of this, Li Xiao immediately dispatched his personal guards with palace medicine to visit the patient, but the news they brought back was not optimistic.

After much deliberation, a decision took shape in his mind.

Lin Dazhuang was relieved of his military post and appointed Minister of Mining.

He hailed from the First Town and was one of Li Xiao's most trusted men, his loyalty beyond question.

Luo Ping served as the head of the Salt and Iron Bureau for many years, and his contributions were indeed considerable.

From the northern frontier to the founding of the nation, countless soldiers, armor, and silver were produced by him. Although there were some minor mistakes, his merits outweighed his faults, Li Xiao admitted.

However, a ruler can tolerate the existence of factions, because it is human nature to have close and distant relationships.

However, we must not stand idly by and watch it evolve into an independent kingdom that is impenetrable and impenetrable.

The Salt and Iron Bureau today has plenty of manpower, soldiers, and money, and is almost a self-contained system, firmly controlled by the nobles of Jinzhou. This has already crossed the bottom line of imperial power.

Therefore, Li Xiao had to take action against the "Salt and Iron Clique," this big tiger.

Placing Lin Dazhuang, an "outsider," into the Ministry of Personnel was the first step in the restructuring.

Subsequently, key personnel of the Salt and Iron Bureau will be transferred out, and demobilized officers from the First Garrison will be placed in their place.

Not only the Minister, but also at least one of the two Vice Ministers must be from outside the region; and two of the four Gentlemen of the Palace must also come from elsewhere.

The ultimate goal was to take this opportunity to dismantle the 'Salt and Iron System' and completely break the closed structure of the Salt and Iron Bureau.

"Minister Lin followed me from humble beginnings, has made outstanding military achievements, and is even more commendable for his loyalty and diligence. I am very at ease having him in charge of the Ministry of Mines."

Li Xiao slowly began to recount Lin Dazhuang's achievements. His voice was steady and powerful, both an affirmation of his subject and a declaration to everyone.

With the Emperor's will made, Lin Dazhuang respectfully accepted the order in the hall: "Your Majesty, I will certainly live up to your trust and manage all affairs of the Ministry of Mines well, and I will never allow a single piece of iron ore or a single bag of official salt to be smuggled out."

The ministers in the hall were all astute, and they understood this move in an instant.

The Salt and Iron Bureau was the only department besides the Ming Dynasty's military that was allowed to possess armed forces, and it had always been the exclusive domain of the Jinzhou nobles, represented by Luo Ping.

Now His Majesty is going to personally dismantle this "big tiger".

However, for most court officials, this move was more beneficial than harmful.

No one could get a piece of the lucrative Salt and Iron Bureau. Now that His Majesty is personally dismantling it, it won't affect them much.

Immediately after Li Xiao finished speaking, a chorus of agreement arose:
"Your Majesty is wise, and Minister Lin is experienced and prudent; he will surely be able to fulfill his duties."

"Such an arrangement not only secures the honor of meritorious officials but also strengthens the foundation of the nation; it is truly a brilliant idea."

Luo Ping, standing in the queue, remained calm throughout.

How could he not feel disappointed?
The Ministry of Mines was upgraded from the Salt and Iron Bureau, which he had built up single-handedly, but in the end, the position of Minister went to someone else.

But he knew even better that His Majesty had already shown leniency.

The Luo family is now extremely powerful, and their son is a military commander. If he were to take control of the mining department, he would likely become the target of public criticism.

Now that he has been transferred to another ministry, the Luo family still enjoys the emperor's favor and shares the fate of the country. This is the way to ensure long-term prosperity.

Under no circumstances should you show the slightest dissatisfaction at this moment.

He immediately stepped forward, his voice loud and clear, filled with utmost sincerity: "Your Majesty, I congratulate Minister Lin. Your Majesty's ability to recognize and appoint capable people is truly admirable."

Li Xiao looked at him, nodded slightly, and expressed his approval of his pragmatism.

Immediately afterwards, he announced another significant appointment: "The Ministry of Works, in charge of all engineering projects, construction, water conservancy, and transportation, is the lifeblood of the nation."

"The position of Minister is of great importance."

He paused briefly, his gaze falling on Luo Ping. "So, Luo Ping, formerly a military advisor in the Salt and Iron Bureau, is hereby transferred to the position of Minister of Works."

Sure enough.

The ministers understood perfectly: the Emperor had stripped Luo Ping of his power in the salt and iron sector, but had given him an equally prestigious position. His Majesty's move was both a warning and a reassurance, a masterful application of imperial tactics.

However, in everyone's mind, the Ministry of Works was ultimately not as prestigious or powerful as the Ministry of Mining.

Because the Ministry of Mines not only manages all the mineral resources of the Ming Dynasty, but is also granted special permission to possess military power and some independent financial power, making it virtually an independent kingdom.

On the other hand, the Ministry of Works was regarded as the last of the six ministries in all dynasties, and it was in charge of rough work such as building bridges and roads, dredging canals, firing bricks and tiles, and repairing tombs.

Compared to the powerful Minister of Mining, he was ultimately inferior.

However, to everyone's surprise, Li Xiao's reform of the Ministry of Works had only just begun. He declared directly, "From this day forward, all light industries in the country, including textiles, winemaking, papermaking, sugar refining, ceramics, and other industries related to people's daily lives, shall be placed under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Works."

These words were like a boulder thrown into a calm lake, creating ripples throughout the court.

"Reform the Ministry of Works?"

"To bring all handicrafts, such as brewing and textiles, under the management of the Ministry of Works?"

"The textile industry is remarkable; it generates a significant amount of tax revenue for our Great Ming Dynasty every year."

"It seems that Fatty Luo has not lost the emperor's favor."

"It seems that the Ministry of Works is only lacking in military power compared to the Ministry of Mining; otherwise, they are not much different," the ministers thought to themselves.

They keenly realized that from now on, the Ministry of Works would no longer be the obscure "craftsmen's office," but a vital department holding the lifeline of the people.

Those officials who had originally been waiting to see Luo Ping make a fool of himself could only echo, "Your Majesty's ability to recognize and appoint capable people is truly a blessing to the Ming Dynasty."

Luo Ping took a deep breath and stepped out of the line steadily.

Looking at the triumphant emperor on the dragon throne, he felt no more resentment.

His son is a military commander, and he himself is a minister in charge of all industries. The Luo family's immense wealth and status are all bestowed by His Majesty.

So what if I leave the Salt and Iron Bureau?

As long as the Luo family follows the emperor's lead, they will surely be able to live and die alongside the Ming Dynasty and continue the family's reputation as a prominent clan for centuries.

"Your subject, Luo Ping, accepts the imperial decree and expresses his gratitude. He will do his utmost to live up to Your Majesty's trust." Luo Ping bowed deeply.

He continued, "Your Majesty has great foresight, strengthening the nation through industry and enriching it through commerce."

"Having served in the Salt and Iron Bureau for several years, I am well aware of the high cost of materials and the advantages of machinery."

"Now that I am in charge of the Ministry of Works, I must do my utmost to make the fabrics of the world warmer, the wines more mellow, paper and ink to spread culture and education, and the skills of all crafts to be further refined."

This could be considered his inaugural address, a grand promise to Li Xiao.

Li Xiao ate it.

He nodded slightly and reiterated the importance of industry.

From textiles to brewing, from papermaking to food, the taxes and output of these industries will directly determine the commercial prosperity and the fullness of the national treasury of the Ming Dynasty.

Although this position does not have military power like the Ministry of Mines, it is even more influential in terms of the breadth of matters concerning the national economy and people's livelihood.

However, the authority that Li Xiao granted to the Ministry of Works was limited to light industry and consumer goods industry.

Li Xiao did not directly hand over the heavy industry sector, which is vital to the nation's survival, to the Ministry of Industry; instead, he planned to establish a separate ministry for it.

Just as the ministers were still digesting this major change, Li Xiao's voice rang out again, delivering an even more unexpected decision:
"Industrial development is related to the prosperity of the people of our Great Ming Dynasty. However, the vital national assets should not be neglected."

"I have decided to establish a Ministry of Heavy Industry in addition to the Six Ministries."

A new department?

The ministers' eyes widened instantly.

According to regulations, the Six Ministries could govern the entire country. The Ming Dynasty simply replaced the Ministry of War with the Ministry of Mining, and added the Five Military Commissions to control military power.

Now, they're actually going to add another one?
Just as everyone was wondering, Li Xiao said, "The Ministry of Heavy Industry is in charge of all heavy industries, including iron smelting, metallurgy, coal, weaponry, and firearms manufacturing." "It was upgraded from the former Ordnance Department and works in cooperation with the Ministry of Mining, the Ministry of Industry, and the Five Military Commissions."

Upon hearing this, all the generals straightened their backs.

They were all too aware of the significance of this new department.

Whether the army's swords are sharp, its armor is sturdy, and even whether the cannons that determine the outcome of the battle can roar, all depend on this unit.

In recent years, the Ming Dynasty's iron cavalry has been conquering the west and east, capturing thousands of skilled craftsmen in successive campaigns to pacify the Western Xia, Jin, Liao, and Khwarazmian Empires, and making rapid progress in smelting and forging techniques.

The Armory is now ten times larger than before, with various workshops and artisans scattered throughout key areas of the northern frontier. Its functions and scale have long exceeded what a single "department" could bear.

Given its special status in military manufacturing and strategic resource transformation, Li Xiao was specially promoted to an independent department, specifically responsible for the nation's key weapons.

"Here you go, Li Dongzhi is appointed Minister of Heavy Industry," Li Xiao commanded in a deep voice.

This is Li Xiao's cousin, who has been in charge of arms manufacturing since the Jinzhou Governor's Office period, and is an absolute confidant and loyal follower.

Over the years, from the simplest sword forging to the development of complex artillery, everything has been meticulously managed by him. He is the perfect person to lead this department, which is crucial to national defense.

Li Dongzhi stepped forward in a deep voice: "Your subject, Li Dongzhi, receives the decree."

"I will certainly live up to Your Majesty's trust and ensure that the military might of our Great Ming Dynasty will forever guard the four corners of the land."

Luo Ping led the light industry, enriching the country and benefiting the people; Li Dongzhi led the heavy industry, strengthening the military and honing its weapons.

Improving people's livelihoods on one hand and strengthening national defense on the other are the two pillars that will create a prosperous era.

"Your Majesty is holy."

The ministers bowed again in unison.

After the selection of the ministers of the three ministries of mining, work, and heavy industry was finalized, the atmosphere in Fengtian Hall became even more solemn.

Everyone knew perfectly well that the next position was the most important one: Minister of Personnel.

This official was in charge of selecting, evaluating, and bestowing honors upon officials throughout the land, and was traditionally known as the "Heavenly Official."

At the beginning of the Ming Dynasty, most officials were demobilized military personnel. This meant that in addition to the regular promotions and transfers, the Ministry of Personnel also had the important responsibility of properly resettling demobilized soldiers.

With such immense power and responsibility, he was undoubtedly the head of the seven ministries.

Li Xiao's gaze swept over the assembled officials, finally settling on the figure who always maintained a humble demeanor and handled matters with tact.

"The position of Minister of Personnel will be filled by Gu Zizhong."

As soon as he finished speaking, a slight commotion arose in the hall.

All eyes turned to Gu Zizhong, who stepped forward to express his gratitude. Although he tried his best to remain calm, his slightly trembling beard betrayed his inner elation.

"Your subject, Gu Zizhong, kowtows to express his gratitude for Your Majesty's divine grace."

He patted his chest and bowed, his voice slightly hoarse with excitement: "Your Majesty has entrusted me with such a heavy responsibility. I am filled with trepidation and fear that I may fail to live up to Your Majesty's expectations."

When he raised his head, his eyes were filled with determination: "The Ministry of Personnel is the model for all officials. I will certainly do my duty to the best of my ability, and select virtuous and capable officials for Your Majesty with impartiality and fairness."

"When recommending someone, one must examine their virtue and talent; when promoting or demoting someone, one must consider their merits and demerits."

"I hereby swear that I will ensure that the officials of my Great Ming Dynasty are honest and upright, and that everyone can give full play to their talents."

At this moment, Gu Zizhong's heart was filled with surging emotions.

In this new dynasty without a prime minister, wouldn't he, as the head of the seven ministries, be equivalent to a prime minister?
The military power of the Ministry of Mining and the industrial power of the Ministry of Industry all had to give way to the power of personnel appointment and dismissal.

He couldn't help but recall his decision to be the first to stand up and support Li Xiao's succession.

This was probably the wisest choice he ever made.

On the dragon throne, Li Xiao nodded slightly.

He chose Gu Zizhong because he valued that although Gu was shrewd and worldly-wise, he always adhered to his principles.

As a former subordinate of Xiao Simo, he once rose to the rank of Governor of the Desert. Although he was sidelined by his subordinate generals, he was nominally on the same level as Xiao Simo, and his seniority was enough to convince the people.

After Xiao Simo's death, he was the first to support him, and then he worked diligently for the northern frontier, making great contributions.

He is truly deserving of the title of Minister of Personnel.

"Rise, Mr. Gu."

Li Xiao's voice was steady and powerful: "The Ministry of Personnel is related to the foundation of the country. I hope you will be upright and impartial in your judgments, and safeguard this crucial matter of selecting and appointing virtuous and capable officials for me."

"Your Majesty, I will certainly not fail your trust." Gu Zizhong bowed again before returning to his place in the ranks.

The ministers in the hall had complex expressions, a mixture of envy, jealousy, and relief.

Several senior officials of similar experience felt a pang of jealousy, but none of them voiced their opposition.

Firstly, this was the emperor's will; secondly, Gu Zizhong was highly experienced and well-liked.

Thirdly... who would be willing to easily offend this newly appointed "Heavenly Official"?

However, everyone knows that no matter how powerful this Minister of Personnel is, there are areas he cannot govern.

The Five Military Commands Office.

The promotion of military officers in the Ming Dynasty has its own independent military selection system, which is an ironclad rule set up by His Majesty to prevent collusion between civil and military officials.

With the official in charge of the Ministry of Personnel now in a position of responsibility, the court's attention naturally turned to the Ministry of Rites, which was second among the Six Ministries.

As early as the coronation ceremony of Emperor Li Xiao, Zhang Xinghua, the governor of Gansu, presided over the ceremony.

Therefore, the position of Minister of Rites was originally intended for Zhang Xinghua, and no one could surpass him. The announcement of the decree at this moment was simply a natural outcome.

In contrast to the previous Ministry of Rites, which was only responsible for rites, sacrifices, and imperial examinations, Li Xiao had a completely new plan for the structure of the Ministry of Rites.

He added two major departments under the Ministry of Rites: the Department of State Ceremonies and the Department of Education.

Prior to this, both the Ministry of Rites and the Court of State Ceremonies were related to diplomacy, and their functions overlapped to some extent.

Li Xiao combined the two into one, which ensured the consistency of diplomatic affairs and refined the execution process.

Hu Li, formerly a military advisor in the Court of State Ceremonies, had long been experienced in foreign affairs and was well-versed in the etiquette and customs of various ethnic groups. This time, he was promoted to the position of Right Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites, in charge of the practical affairs of the Court of State Ceremonies.

The position of Left Vice Minister of the Ministry of Rites was awarded to a special individual—Wu Gang.

This Han Chinese youth, who came from Jiubao and Shibazhai, followed Li Xiao in battle in his early years. He lost his left arm while pacifying the Naiman people and had to retire from the army. However, he was noticed by Li Xiao because of his fortitude, loyalty, bravery, and resourcefulness.

He was ordered to establish the Ming Dynasty Military Academy system, modeled after the education system of later generations, and to create a graded advancement system.

From basic physical training and weapon handling to advanced military strategy and battle formation simulation, the curriculum progresses step by step. The end-of-semester assessments are extremely rigorous, and those who fail are immediately eliminated.

This innovative education model should have flourished, but due to the frequent wars and the need for the national treasury to prioritize military supplies, the size of the education system was always limited, and large-scale expansion was not possible.

Li Xiao then temporarily placed the Department of Education under the Ministry of Rites, and would wait until the country was stable and the department was large enough to become an independent department.

After the matters concerning the Ministry of Rites were settled, the next step was the Ministry of Revenue.

Han Jiuyuan has been in charge of finance for many years, and no one in the court can rival him. He is well-deserving of the position of Minister of Revenue.

When Li Xiao's decree resounded throughout the court, the Han brothers secretly breathed a sigh of relief.

After much planning, he finally secured this key position and now all he needs to do is wait for His Majesty's arrangements for Han Jiuguang.

The court officials all thought that the Ministry of Justice, the last of the six ministries, would be the next to announce the imperial edict. However, Li Xiao changed the subject, glanced at the officials below the steps, and said in a deep voice: "I believe that if the Ming Dynasty is to prosper, it must attach importance to commerce."

"Now the city is thriving, with stalls and vendors everywhere, and trade is becoming increasingly active. It will surely flourish even more in the future."

"Therefore, I have decided to establish a special department to handle commerce and trade, which will be named the Ministry of Commerce."

These words caused an uproar in the court, and Han Jiuyuan's expression changed drastically, his eyes filled with disbelief and shock.

According to the regulations of past dynasties, the Ministry of Revenue was in charge of the nation's finances, and all matters related to "money," such as land, household registration, taxes, and commerce, fell under its jurisdiction.

Now His Majesty intends to separate commerce from the Ministry of Revenue and establish it as an independent ministry. This means that the Ministry of Revenue will lose most of its real power and will only be left with functions such as agriculture, animal husbandry, and taxation.

Even in the animal husbandry sector, the management of horses, which is closely related to military and national affairs, has long been under the jurisdiction of the Five Military Commissions, leaving the Ministry of Revenue with no room to interfere.

As a result, the once powerful Ministry of Revenue was effectively crippled.

The shock and disappointment in Han Jiuyuan's heart can be imagined.

From Li Xiao's perspective, commerce is the lifeblood of the national economy, and only by handling special cases with special personnel can its vigorous development be promoted.

Importantly, the current commercial landscape of the Ming Dynasty harbors hidden dangers.

Although numerous small vendors in the city maintain people's livelihoods, almost every large and powerful merchant firm has the shadow of a powerful official or military general behind it.

Li Dongjiang, Li Dongshan, Erhu, and others all used their military merits or positions of power to open businesses for profit, which was actually the result of Li Xiao's tacit approval.

The Ming Dynasty implemented a system of public ownership of land, which prevented powerful nobles and relatives from annexing land and accumulating property as they had in previous dynasties. If commercial rights were not liberalized and they were not given legitimate channels to accumulate wealth, who would be willing to wholeheartedly serve the court?

As for business, those who know it understand that, unlike land, it allows for the exploitation of people at any time.

Although Li Xiao allowed bureaucratic capital to develop freely, he absolutely forbade its disorderly expansion.

If these well-connected merchants are allowed to monopolize the market, all the merchants in the world will become their employees.

This would create bureaucratic financial cliques, directly threatening the stability of imperial power.

South Korea is an example.

This is why Li Xiao decided to elevate the Ministry of Commerce to the same level as the Six Ministries, partly to demonstrate his emphasis on commerce, and partly to deter those powerful figures who hold capital.

The Ministry of Commerce will formulate trade rules and regulate market order, and no one will be allowed to act recklessly based on their background.

The most important thing is to collect commercial taxes.

Even the Imperial Household Department had to pay taxes.

Other large merchant firms should not try to use their connections to encroach on the country's interests.

Only death and taxes are inevitable.

(End of this chapter)